Karl Beckstrand

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I'm from San Jose, California. I've lived abroad and have one award-winning novel and 19 juvenile books–most with characters of color.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Bridge of the Golden Wood: A Parable on How to Earn a Living – written to address a lack of curriculum on how money is made. The State of Vermont is using it for its primary school financial literacy lessons.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I get ideas at night and scribble them on scraps of paper. In the morning, there are scraps of paper all over!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love history, so anything by David McCoullugh is ideal. Other authors I love: Tolkien, Harper Lee, C.S. Lewis, Clancy, Grisham, Shel Silverstein

What are you working on now?
More bilingual books, a non-fiction series on immigrant children, and a graphic novel (I hope!).

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Bookbub got me 10,000 downloads in a day. Love it!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you're not ambushed by ideas, you are probably not a writer.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be wise, what more can I say?

What are you reading now?
Major Problems in American Colonial History by Karen Kupperman (yeah, I'm a nerd).